Behind the Camera: Photographer's Edition


Kristopher Anderson @ikrisanderson  

We are now into the third installment of my Behind the Camera series on my blog where I zero in on someone to interview in the entertainment or media industry. Anyone who is behind a camera on either side of it is eligible to be interviewed as a person of influence. 

If you have any suggestions on who I should pick next, feel free to email me at blancosbranding@gmail.com or DM me on my Instagram @curlyblanco. 

~
Faith is the true motivator when it comes to photographer and branding agency owner, Kristopher Anderson. The Atlanta native was always interested in.. , but could never quite pinpoint what it was until he began his journey at the illustrious Hampton University. While attending the university, he studied sports management and graduated in 2018.

Kristopher is known for being very expressive in his faith and open about his relationship with God. When speaking with him, he always made sure to give credit to the one that guided him through it all and was the one who was, even today, leading and guiding him in his decision making. 

In 2015, he founded his nonprofit organization called Awaken Future Generations. This organization caters to the younger generation in helping them become more aware of their capability to be whatever they have their heart set on being in adulthood through mentorship, scholarship, and service. 

I want people to work together to get to the next level. - Kristopher Anderson, 2020
This passion for helping others is what led Kristopher to also create The UpNext Brand, LLC. This branding agency is to help give everyone the opportunity to see not only what they bring to the table, but the understanding of their potential to truly be "up next." To go more in-depth, his true intentions behind his brand are to allow people to be creative and have a space to do so. When going into business, it can be difficult trying to balance a career and still stay true to your creative self. 

It all started after Kristopher became interested in becoming a Youtube vlogger, but it winded up not working out so he decided to put his camera to use anyway. He winded up taking some of his friend's pictures one day that eventually went viral. 

This transformed into various people after asking him to take their pictures for special occasions in a more professional setting.

Originally, the UpNext Brand was originally supposed to have a podcast. Things were quickly changed when the COVID-19 pandemic began rising across the United States. With this, Kris decided to take initiative and create what is now recognized as The UpNext Magazine. Despite him not having any experience writing articles or being keen on reading & writing, Kris did not let him detour him from what he felt in his heart that he should pursue. 

September 2020 Issue of The UpNext Magazine

The origin of the UpNext Magazine was in place of Kris' original idea of beginning a podcast series that was halted by the current pandemic. Today, the magazine has grown in readers and notoriety showcasing various black creatives from industries such as fashion, media, and music. His hopes for the magazine is that it will be a platform that helps those featured and those viewing work together to get to the next level.

When asked about his favorite interview, Kris was first unable to pinpoint one. He then explained that one of his favorites, though he loves them all dearly, was the one he did with long-time friend Nigil Crawford.

What intrigued me most about his answer was not the answer itself, but the fact that they both are in the same industry and still found a way to co-exist being successful. And as FRIENDS at that! In many cases, people end up being against each other when they don't have to be. This could be from being driven apart or hidden jealously from either party if not both parties at some point in time. In the African American community, we are so quick to support each other when we have something to personally gain so that's why I found it to be so commendable. 

One of his favorite parts of the process of combining his two passions is seeing the end result of the magazine covers after envisioning them in his mind and hearing the subject's positive feedback.  

Picture Courtesy of The UpNext Studio
Photography is an art form that many people are fond of but is not always executed properly.
Kristopher's obedience to God to redirect him into what is now his pride and joy has been a transition that is not only admirable but inspiring. 

As for his advice to those looking to do what he does or something similar, he encourages to be mindful of the connections you already have and the new ones you will make. This is because everyone may not have your best interest at heart or sometimes where God is taking you, everyone cannot go and it is not meant for them to be apart of your life for that season. Additionally, to implement financial discipline and to put God at the center of your business or brand. 

The UpNext Brand is a great resource for creatives that are looking to expand themselves and network with other people with similar mindsets. I know sometimes when starting your own brand, you want to do everything yourself, but maybe that's why you're still in the same spot that you've been in since this time last year.

There's nothing wrong with asking others more knowledgeable for help. Taking this initiative is actually more effective than doing everything yourself because it will help you grow past the perspective you have and help take some of the stress off of yourself. 

The rest will work itself out.

When asked "what's next" for both Kris and The UpNext Brand, he had much to say. "What people can look forward to seeing from me is new articles from heavy hitters, traveling, and expanding the name of the UpNext Studio." 

Kristopher has now even begun creating apparel for the UpNext Brand which is currently available for pre-order here

You can also find the latest release of his October 2020 edition for the UpNext magazine here

I don't know about you all, but I am definitely excited to see what Kris' brand expansion looks like, and with God on his side, it will come to full fruition.


To keep up with Kris and The UpNext Brand, here are his social media page links:
https://www.instagram.com/ikrisanderson/
https://www.instagram.com/theupnext__/
https://www.instagram.com/theupnextstudio/


Always a pleasure sharing with you, thank you.

No comments